There are many UK visa options to explore when thinking about moving to the UK. Without the right legal support, finding the right route and submitting a successful application can be difficult and stressful, and costly if you get it wrong. Our experienced Immigration Lawyers provide clear, practical UK visa advice to help you identify the best option, prepare your documentation, and manage your UK visa application from start to finish giving you the best chance of success.
Contact our Immigration team today for expert guidance and peace of mind when planning your move.
What Visa Do I Need to Move to the UK?
If you’re planning to visit or move to the UK, there is a chance you will need to make a visa application. When asking “What UK visa do I need?”, the answer entirely depends on your reason for coming, whether to work, study, join family, visit, or start a business.
Each UK visa has unique eligibility rules and documentation requirements.
Our lawyers assess your circumstances, advise on the right category, and help you come to the UK lawfully and efficiently.
Speak to an Immigration Lawyer
UK Visas Explained
There are several main visa categories under the UK Visas and Immigration system. Below we outline the key routes to visit the UK or move to the UK, with summaries of who each visa is for and what’s required.
The fastest way to understand which visa is the right one for you is to speak to a specialist.
Family Visas
If you are planning to come to the UK to stay with a family member for more than six months, you will likely need one of the below family visas. Family visas let you join relatives who are British citizens or have settled status in the UK.
Parent of a British national or settled person
- This visa allows parents of a British citizen or person with indefinite leave to remain to move to the UK to care for their child.
- Requirements: You must have sole or shared parental responsibility, demonstrate financial stability, and intend to live with your child.
Children of a British national or settled person
- This route lets children join parents who are British citizens or settled in the UK.
- Requirements: Proof of relationship, accommodation, and financial support are essential for a successful application.
UK Ancestry Visa
- Available to Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.
- Requirements: You must be 17 or older, intend to work in the UK, and provide proof of ancestry and financial means.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
- This visa option allows elderly parents or disabled relatives of British or settled persons to come to the UK for long-term care.
- Requirements: You must prove dependency and that the required care cannot be provided abroad.
Partner / Spouse Visas
Partner and Spouse visas allow partners of British citizens or settled individuals to move to the UK to live together permanently. There are multiple options for a partner visa depending on your circumstances.
Spouse Visa
- This UK marriage visa enables you to join your spouse in the UK for up to 30 months. At the end of the 30-month period, you can make an application for an extension for a further 30 months and after 5 years in the UK you can apply for [Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)].
- Requirements: Genuine relationship, financial threshold (£29,000+), English language test, and suitable accommodation.
Fiancé Visa
- Allows entry to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership within six months of the application being made. After you are married, you can apply in country to switch to leave to remain on a spouse visa.
- Requirements: Proof of genuine intention to marry, financial threshold (£29,000+), and suitable accommodation.
Unmarried Partner Visa
- For long-term partners (2+ years living together) of British or settled persons.
- Requirements: Evidence of cohabitation, financial threshold (£29,000+), English language test, and intent to live permanently together.
Business Visas
If you plan to work or invest in the UK, there are several business visa routes available.
Global Talent Visa
- Designed for leaders or potential leaders in fields like academia, arts, and technology.
- Requirements: Endorsement from an approved body and proof of significant achievement.
Innovator Founder Visa
- The Innovator Founder Visa is specifically for entrepreneurs starting or running an innovative business in the UK.
- Requirements: Endorsement from an approved body and a credible, scalable business plan.
Skilled Worker Visa
- This UK visa lets qualified professionals move to the UK for sponsored employment. The employer must have a valid sponsor license to employ people from outside the UK.
- Requirements: Job offer from a licensed sponsor, eligible occupation, and minimum salary threshold.
If you are a business seeking help with a sponsor license application, we can help.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- For intra-company transfers under the Global Business Mobility scheme. This visa is only valid if you are an existing employee of a company who is seeking to be moved to a UK branch of the same company.
- Requirements: Sponsorship by your overseas employer and relevant salary and skill level.
Sportsperson Visa
- For elite athletes and coaches recognised by their governing body.
- Requirements: Endorsement, sponsorship, and proof of international reputation.
Minister of Religion Visa
- For faith leaders taking up roles within religious organisations in the UK.
- Requirements: Sponsorship, English proficiency, and evidence of community role.
Moving to the UK to study
Student Visa
- For students aged 18+ enrolling in approved UK educational institutions.
- Requirements: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of funds, and English ability.
Child Student Visa
- For students aged 4–17 attending independent schools in the UK.
- Requirements: CAS, parental consent, and financial maintenance evidence.
Short-Term Study Visa
- For short English language or specialist courses lasting up to six months (11 months for English).
- Requirements: Proof of course enrolment, funds, and intent to return home after study.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
- The High Potential Individual Visa is designed for recent graduates from top global universities who want to come to the UK to work or look for employment without sponsorship.
- Requirements: Must have been awarded a degree-level or higher qualification in the last 5 years, financial threshold, English language test.
Temporary Worker Visas
Temporary visas allow short-term entry to come to the UK for work or cultural purposes. If you plan to settle in the UK, a temporary worker visa would not be suitable.
Charity Worker Visa
- For volunteers with a registered UK charity with an official offer.
- Requirements: Certificate of Sponsorship and financial means.
Creative & Sportspersons Visa
- For artists, entertainers, and athletes on short-term assignments.
- Requirements: Sponsorship and proof of professional activity.
International Agreement Visa
- For individuals working under international law or treaty arrangements.
- Requirements: Sponsorship and evidence of qualifying work.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- For young people (18–30) from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
- Requirements: Country eligibility, savings, and no dependants.
Visit Visas
Visit visas let you travel to the UK for short stays. Depending on where you are travelling from and how long you plan to stay determines whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or whether you need one of the below visit visas.
Standard Visitor Visa
- For tourism, visiting family, or attending events.
- Requirements: Proof of intent to leave, funds, and purpose of visit.
Business Visitor Visa
- For attending meetings, conferences, or signing deals.
- Requirements: Business purpose evidence and return intent.
Visit to Study
- For short courses under six months.
- Requirements: Proof of enrolment and funds.
Academic Visitor
- For researchers or professors undertaking temporary research.
- Requirements: Proof of academic purpose and funds.
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
- For professionals invited to work short-term in their field.
- Requirements: Invitation letter and proof of expertise.
Private Medical Treatment Visa
- For those coming to the UK for private healthcare.
- Requirements: Letter from medical provider and proof of funds.
Visitors in Transit Visa
- For travellers passing through the UK en route to another destination.
- Requirements: Confirmed onward ticket and valid entry to destination.
Why Choose Emerald Law?
With you through every step: we promise to guide, support and represent you with care, professionalism and expertise from the very first meeting through to your visa approval.
Fast and efficient: We know how frustrating delays can be. While we can’t control Home Office delays, we can and will ensure that our team will work quickly and meticulously to submit your application.
Dedicated legal support: We can assure you that you will have a direct line to your lawyer who will know your case inside and out, providing regular, clear updates. We deal with people, not cases.
Support through complex applications: Our experienced team have been successful in some of the most complex visa applications. No matter your circumstances, we will ensure your application has the best chance of success.
Need Help with Your UK Visa Application?
Whether you’re planning to move to the UK, join family, work, or study, Emerald Law’s Immigration Lawyers can provide expert UK visa advice to guide you through every step of the process.
To avoid frustrating delays or costly refusals, contact us today to get started on your successful UK visa application.
